Exam 15 - Addiction

Addiction involves excessive use/abuse, psychological distress, declining social/economic function, and uncontrollable consumption.

Addictive dependence on alcohol.

Individuals can have more than one addiction simultaneously.

A large percentage of adults (87.4%) consume alcohol in a 12-month period, with a smaller percentage (6%) having an alcohol use disorder.

Starting to drink at a young age (14 or younger) significantly increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence (44%).

Alcohol and substance abuse are increasing among older adults.

Alcohol is a major factor in motor vehicle accidents, causing a significant number of deaths. The statistics associated with these factors are concerning.

Alcohol use is part of many cultures and has often been used medically, in celebrations, and in religious contexts throughout history.

Prohibition (1919-1933) banned the production, transport, and sale of alcohol in the United States.

Overall alcohol use shows a long-term downward trend, in part due to public education and restrictions on underage drinking.

Illicit drug use remains significant despite declines in overall alcohol use.

Federal law providing legal control over drugs not previously covered by other federal drug laws.

Leading agency responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substance Act.

10% of the US population used illicit drugs in the previous month; 80% of these users used marijuana.

A pattern of compulsive and habitual substance or practice use to cope with psychological distress (anxiety and conflict).

Low stress tolerance, dependency, negative self-image, insecurity, and depression, potentially linked to or arising from addiction.

Characterized by increasing substance use frequency and amount to maintain effects, resulting in tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, strained relationships, legal issues, and absenteeism.

Marked by moderate impairment, difficulty stopping, increased reliance on the substance just to function normally, damaged relationships, declining health, and job loss.

Severe impairment in all areas of functioning, nearly constant use to avoid pain, worsening medical issues (including infections and organ damage), social isolation, and often unemployment.

The initial phase of substance dependence, characterized by negative consequences, attempts to decrease use, and social withdrawal.

A stage of moderate impairment where substance use becomes ingrained, withdrawal symptoms arise, and physical health deteriorates.

The final stage, marked by significant impairment and nearly continuous substance use.

Alcoholism is a significant health issue in many countries, often ranked among the top health concerns.

Some theories suggest a genetic or biological predisposition to alcoholism, involving nervous system, endocrine function or enzyme deficiencies

Alcohol use is influenced by societal norms, cultural traditions, and historical contexts.

Alcohol initially affects higher brain functions (judgment), then progressively impacts the limbic system and basal ganglia, increasing compulsion.

Alcohol is rapidly absorbed, metabolized primarily by the liver, and exits the body through excretion and respiration.

A medication that causes unpleasant reactions (facial flushing, nausea) when combined with alcohol.

Includes approaches like abstinence, therapy, support groups, and residential centers to manage addiction.

A therapeutic setting where individuals discuss their struggles to gain support and coping strategies.

An international support group for alcoholics focused on abstinence through shared experiences and a higher power.

A facility offering detoxification, counseling, and social skill development.

Addressing chronic pain with non-addictive methods or combinations of medications.

Misuse of prescription drugs for non-medical reasons, potentially leading to overdose or dependence.

Substances taken at parties for their euphoric effects but potentially harmful.

Substances that slow down the central nervous system including alcohol and certain medications.

Alcohol increases urine production, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Chronic alcohol use can decrease the absorption of vitamins like B1, B12, and B9 due to damage to the intestinal lining, and does not provide important vitamins or minerals.

Alcohol provides calories but no essential vitamins or minerals.

The concentration of alcohol in the blood, often measured in mg/dL, influenced by amount consumed and body size.

The specific blood alcohol level (BAL) considered illegal to drive a motor vehicle for most states.

Congenital condition in a baby caused by alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy, leading to physical and cognitive impairments.

A range of symptoms that occur when a person with alcohol dependence stops drinking abruptly, ranging from mild to severe.

A severe and potentially life-threatening complication of alcohol withdrawal, commonly characterized by confusion and hallucinations.

A brain disorder that may occur in chronic alcoholics causing memory loss and disorientation.

Brain disorder associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in chronic alcoholics, causing brain damage and significant symptoms.

Gathering information about a patient's drug use patterns, last usage, and associated symptoms through questioning.

Collecting observable data on physical signs and indicators of substance use, in addition to past medical history and drug allergies.

Collecting both subjective and objective patient data from a person with an addiction to understand their situation better

The misuse of medications like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, which cause calmness and sleepiness.

Early 20th-century sedatives with uses in medicine for calmness, sleep, anesthesia, and seizure control.

A safer class of calming medications, often replacing barbiturates.

A widely prescribed anti-anxiety medication, popular in the 1960s-1980s.

A powerful benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for anxiety.

A benzodiazepine often used in sexual assaults, due to its easy mixability and amnesia effects.

A drug abused for its euphoric, calming and bodybuilding effects.

Pain-relieving drugs derived from opium, some of them are heavily addictive.

A highly addictive opioid, often abused.

A dangerous condition involving severe breathing problems, small pupils, and unconsciousness.

A medication used to reverse opioid overdose.

A synthetic opioid used to help people who are addicted to opioids.

Substances that increase brain activity.

A common stimulant present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some medications.

A tool used to screen for alcohol abuse. It is an acronym formed from four questions.

Measurable information like height, weight, vital signs, and physical assessment findings.

Warning signs of possible substance abuse (e.g., tremors, skin conditions).

Indications of intravenous drug use.

Facial rash resembling acne; possible indicator of MDMA use.

Possible signs include: gum/tooth erosion & vasoconstriction.

Frequent sniffing, stuffy nose, or nonproductive coughs - potential drug use.

Evaluating a patient's mental function and behavior for impairments.

Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, significant indicators.

Tests to identify the presence of drugs in the body.

A urine drug test result that indicates a substance is present, when it is not.

Blood tests can show abnormalities in several functions when related to alcoholism.

Removing harmful substances from the body during recovery from addiction.

Safe setting for detox, allowing close observation and addressing potential complications.

Maintaining a clear airway in intoxicated patients.

Continual observation of intravenous sites, particularly in restless patients.

Stimulant abuse can lead to cardiorespiratory distress.

Communication methods to help patients understand issues and self-awareness.

Reinforcing the concept of addiction as a treatable medical condition.

Encouraging family participation in treatment planning for sobriety.

Counseling to support patients' movement towards recovery.

Medication used to increase the threshold for seizures in highly restless patients.

Confusion, especially prevalent at night, which may require special care and attention.

Used in situations where a patient poses a risk to themselves or others, but have potential to induce aggressive behavior.

A frequent problem in addicted patients; related to loss of appetite.

Support patients in abstaining from substance abuse following detox.